Even in Death by Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie

Even In Death, a collection of ten short stories, explores the thin line between love and hate; extreme emotions even death cannot destroy. Julie wants nothing more than to receive a flower bouquet from the hometown veterinarian. However, in “A Flower Story,” flowers are delivered long after a person is alive to smell them. After purchasing their dream home, Sara and David feel truly blessed. Unfortunately, the couple soon discover they’ve inherited a wicked curse. In fact, in “What’s Really There,” the former residents’ spirits refuse to move on. In the title story, on the anniversary of his fiances’ death, Mark realizes that he can see and communicate with spirits, including Amy’s. Can Mark and Amy’s love survive even in death? “A Flower Story,” “What’s Really There,” and “Even In Death,” as well as the other seven stories in the collection are rife with emotion that will linger well after the last page. – Goodreads.com

The last couple of times I read collections of short stories, I was disappointed in both books – but with Even in Death, Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie broke that discouraging streak.

All of these stories had a different personality and explored various feelings – love, hate, regret, envy, fear. Some were also humorous. In my favorite story, What Caught My Senses, when one of the characters states, “Not only am I in a horror movie, but a predictable one,” I had to laugh. A group of people realize a criminal is among them, no one can be trusted, and everyone knows if you go off by yourself, you most likely won’t be found alive. It’s a pretty concrete rule in predictable horror movies. What’s Really There was also high on my list because I’m a sucker for haunted houses. I’d like to see that story continue (hint to the author).

This was an enjoyable and intriguing read, although I thought the book could have used a little more editing. There were a couple of misspelled words (including a prominent author’s name), but it wasn’t enough of an issue to detract from the storytelling. With ten short stories comprised of various flavors, there’s something for everyone in this book.

I received a digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.